Jam Magazine
The JWB (James Ward Band):
Groove Axis
Groovward Publishing, BMI
Personnel: James Ward: Bass, Trumpet; Angela Ward: Keyboard Sequencing, Piano, Rhodes;
Matt Hopper: Lead Guitar; Gerald Dunn: Soprano and Alto Sax; Ryan Lee: Drums; Ray Stewart:
Percussion. Special Guests: Andrew Ward: Drums; Jonathan DuBose: Rhythm and Lead Guitar;
Aaron Simcox: Alto Sax; Hardy Searcy: Rhythm Guitar; Greg Carroll: Vibrophone;
AshleyWenberg: Flute. Horn Section: Clint Ashlock: Trumpet; Jason Goudeau: Trombone;
Karita Carter: Trombone; Kevin Johnson: Drum Programming; Aaron Mayfield: Synth Bass.
Tracks: 1. Groove Axis (James Ward), 2. AG (Angie’s Groove) (Angela Ward), 3. Echoes
(Valerie Gregory, Angela Ward), 4. Got To Get You Into My Life (Lenon/McCartney), 5. Waves
(Angela and James Ward, Jr.), 6. Change of Seasons (James Ward, Angela Ward), 7. More of
You (James Ward), 8. Two Minute Chase (Eric Lamont Grover), 9. Bet That Up (James Ward),
10. Sahara (James Ward).
Producers: Andrew Ward, Jr., Angela Ward, James Ward. Recorded at Groovward, 2010.
If Chick Corea Elektric Band and Najee are filed under jazz, so should this CD. Its deep
melodicism and sophisticated grooves mark it as an amalgamate between funk and jazz, and its
accomplished players make this album rich and nuanced.
James and Angela Ward wrote or co-wrote eight out of ten of the tunes on this album, and the
CD feels original and catchy. It grooves hard, and in addition to demonstrating a lot of energy
and interplay, it is clean, precise, and soulful.
My favorite of the tracks is #10, Sahara, which opens with a drum tour de force by Ryan Lee
on drums and Ray Stewart on percussion. The beat is a 6/8 Afro beat on set, and James Ward
grooves hard on electric bass. There is shining sax work by Gerald Dunn, and the keys (by
Angela Ward) and sax build in a captivating duo. This is the most dynamic tune on the album,
and my only regret is that the solo fades out at the end. I have seen this group in person, and I was
enchanted and impressed by the full, intricate sound the group gets when a solo begins to hit its
peak. However, if the group wants the tune played on the radio, this type of fading must be done
to keep the run time low.
Angela Ward's melodic electric keyboard work on track #6, Change of Seasons, reminded me
a bit of Corea's Elektric City, but Angela's melody has a slower approach and feel. Hers
grooves more in third or fourth gear. The samba bridge is entertaining and also reminds me of
the Corea tune. And that is not a bad influence for an album like this one. Of course, Ward's
band’s sound is distinct and does not stand in the shadow of any one influence.
Matt Hopper's guitar playing also is remarkable on this album, and he really shines with this
group in person. More of You, track #7, features Hopper. He plays a relaxed bossa in 2, and he
makes the melody of the tune memorable and endearing. Lee's drum comping on this track is
also notable. This is a sparser track for the album, and Hopper and Lee both fill and leave open
spaces judiciously.
Track #5, Waves, includes a tasty vibes solo by Greg Carroll, and James Ward's bass playing
is also foregrounded in this tune, where we plays a 3/4 groove somewhat reminiscent of
Footprints or Afro Blue. Ward’s playing is soulful and understated, for the most part on this
album, but on this tune his groove rises to the top, and his true skill and talent can be recognized
at once.
The James Ward Band have a hit with this one. Go see them play, and ask the members to sign
your copy. You’ll enjoy yourself, and you’ll take home some good music.
--Kevin Rabas
Groove Axis is now available on itunes, Amazon, and CDBaby.
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